Understanding The Bible
STUDY REFERENCE
Clarence E. Mason's
"OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETIC BOOKS"
ZECHARIAH
Introduction and Simple Outline

Dr. Clarence E. Mason, Jr.
Philadelphia College of Bible
1970


OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETIC BOOKS
ZECHARIAH: Introduction and Simple Outline

ZECHARIAH
("Remembered of Jehovah")

Zechariah, like Haggai, was a prophet of the restoration, from about 520-490 BC. See the introduction to Haggai for cross-references between the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah. He is mentioned in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14. In the book of Nehemiah, reference is made to a priest named Iddo (12:4) and to his son Zechariah. From these references it may be inferred that Zechariah was of priestly descent, if not himself a priest.

The prophet was born in Babylon and returned to the land of his fathers when still a child.

Two series of prophecies are given in the book: the first, carefully dated, bearing upon the work of building the temple; the second, which are undated, have reference to Israel's future and the time of the end.

Many direct predictions concerning Messiah are found in this book:
1. His triumphant entry 9:9
2. His betrayal for thirty pieces of silver 11:12
3. The disposal of blood money for potter's field 11:13
4. The scattering of His disciples 13:7


OUTLINE
The Book of Vision and Victory

  1. PROCLAMATION 1-8

    1. The solemn warning 1:1-6
      First prophetic message: a call to repentance.

    2. The prophetic visions 1:7-6:8

      1. The red-horse rider among the myrtle trees 1:7-17
        God displeased with the callous indifference of the nations to Israel's plight at that time.

      2. The four horns and the four smiths 1:18-21
        God will cause Gentile powers ("horns") to be cut off in judgment.

      3. The man with the measuring line 2
        The coming restoration and enlargement of Jerusalem.

      4. Joshua, the high priest 3
        Double type:
        (1) Israel in her sin;
        (2) Christ as the Priest. Illustrates Israel's forgiveness and ours.

      5. The golden candlestick and the olive trees 4
        Israel as a testimony by the power of the Spirit (cp. the two witnesses, Rev. 11).

      6. The flying roll and concealed woman 5 Commerce and wickedness.

      7. The four chariots and horses 6:1-8
        Final judgment on world powers.

    3. The symbolic act 6:9-15
      Prophecy of crowning and reign of Christ.

    4. The instruction to the deputation 7-8

      1. The question 7:1-3
        Should they continue fasts which memorialized events of 2 Kings 25?

      2. The answer: No! 7:4-8:23

        1. Fasts not instituted of God 7:4-7

        2. God requires inward righteousness 7:8-14
          Their punishment was due to their sins.

        3. God will restore what has been lost 8:1-17
          Exhortation to hear the restoration prophets: Haggai and Zechariah.

        4. Fasts are to be converted into feasts 8:18-23
          Jerusalem will become the religious center of the earth.
           

  2. PREDICTION 9-14

    1. Concerning the people of Israel 9-11

      1. The destruction of cities surrounding Israel 9:1-8

      2. The triumphal entry of Christ at His first coming 9:9

      3. Christ's future worldwide kingdom 9:10-17

      4. Israel to be strengthened by God against her enemies 10:1-8

      5. The dispersion and re-gathering of Israel in one view 10:9-12

      6. Christ, the True Shepherd, rejected at His first coming and the consequent wrath of God 11:1-14

      7. The false messiah and his judgment 11:15-17

    2.  Concerning the King and the Kingdom 12-14

      1. The overthrow of enemies 12:1-13:9

        1. The great tribulation of Israel 12:1-3

        2. The remnant of Judah strengthened in the day of trial 12:4-9

        3. The outpouring of the Spirit and the repentance of Israel 12:10-13:9

      2. The second advent of the King 14:1-8

        1. The battle against the nations 1-3

        2. The topographical and terrifying effects of the King's descent 4-8

      3. The glory of the kingdom 14:9-21 Characteristics of the kingdom

 

 

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